Many Perham residents joined in wishing Kelcey Klemm well during an open house in the city manager's honor on April 7. Lots of goodbyes and good lucks where said while conversations were. Some brought presents for Klemm for a thank you on all he has done for the City of Perham.
Klemm accepted the position of city administrator with Detroit Lakes in March and his last day with the city of Perham was Friday, April 8.
The open house included a little program that gave folks a chance to say few a words on what Klemm meant to the city of Perham. Mayor Tim Meehl was first, speaking on what it has been like to work with Klemm for the past seven years.
"A lot of good has happened since Kelcey has been here. We got a new hospital, new apartments came into town. Detroit Lakes is very lucky to have you and it is going to be hard to replace you" Meehl said.
A plaque was presented to Klemm for all of his hard work in Perham and as a farewell gift to say best wishes with his new adventure.
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Economic Development Authority Director Chuck Johnson was one of the many that spoke at the open house goodbye party for Klemm.
"If I scratched my head about something on how are we going to do this or what are we going to do about this, we will sit down and kick a can around a circle for a while and by the time I walk out of Kelcey's office there is usually a game plan in place" Johnson said.
Johnson also wrote a poem and read aloud during the open house. The poem was about Klemm's achievements and his journey while city manager for Perham.
A few other people spoke as well, including his wife, Amanda, who said a few words on how hard it was for the whole family to leave Perham, but also shared a little humor, saying "so good luck finding a replacement."
